Tasting Innocence

South River University #2

by Isabel Lucero

Falling for my best friend’s sister was something I never thought I’d do. Not only have I known Violet for almost her whole life, but Renzo was sure to give all his friends the don’t touch my sister speech as soon as she became a teenager.

After a drunken night when we were snowed in at a cabin, I may have been too flirtatious. I think I freaked her out, because she’s refused to talk about what happened since then. But after a weekend away with friends, me and Violet end up alone, and confessions are finally made.

She’s too good for me—sweet, pure, and innocent. I’m tainted with a reputation that does me no favors. Renzo knows I’ve never committed to anyone. He knows everything about me and the many women I’ve been with, and that’s why I know he’ll never be okay with me and his sister being together.

After a taste of Violet, I know I’ve finally found something worth fighting for, even if I have to fight my best friend.


This series is an interconnected stand-alone series, taking place in a fictional town in Michigan. They’re all gonna be hot, quick reads that feature some of your favorite tropes.
•Sister’s boyfriend (M/M)
•Brother’s best friend (M/F)
•Sports romance/enemies-to-lovers (M/M)
•Student/Teacher (M/M w/ménage scenes)

Genres: Romance, M F Romance, College, Friends To Lovers, Family, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

216 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2021

About the author

Isabel Lucero is a bestselling author, finding joy in giving readers books for every mood.

Born in a small town in New Mexico, Isabel was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. Her and her husband have three kids and two dogs together, and currently reside in Delaware. When Isabel isn't on mommy duty or writing her next book, she can be found reading, or in the nearest Target buying things she doesn't need.

Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
https://twitter.com/AuthorIsabel
http://instagram.com/isabel__lucero
http://authorisabellucero.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

this man literally wanted a medal for keeping his dick in his pants and remaining faithful to his gf 🙃

I deservesome sort of award for that right there. Are you kidding me? Me, Dexter Anderson, turned a girl down by saying I’m seeing someone. What?!

the bar is literally in hell where a bunch of demons are twerking on it like a stripper pole. that is where the bar is if y’all are looking for it :)

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 -Not so Innocent🔥- Stars⭐
A Contemporary Brother's best-friend New-Adult Romance with Cabin fun, A Creepy hotel, Lovely Confessions, Need, Hope, Tension, Secrets, Truths, First times, Care, Love & HEA.
I loved Dex & Vi so much! This was just what I'd hoped for (Especially Renzo's reaction omg😈😂) & is so fun & exciting😍. DEVOURED this in around 3hrs, Novella style but packed the punch!

Dexter; Charming, Humorous, Deep; is a college student, Renzo's Best-friend & very rich. His dad's job leaves Dex alone at their big house, so to not be lonely he spends time on Parties & Meaningless Hook-ups. He'd lusted after his friend's sister for the last year, In which she'd become MORE for him, but knows Renzo will never accept it, so he keeps it under wraps. Not like Vi likes him like that, right?

Violet; Witty, Smart, Caring; is Renzo's younger sis, who'll be going to College Next year. Her family & Friends are awesome, which Dex is also a part of. She'd grown a crush on him since last year, but she won't just be a One-night-stand & doesn't know if Dex even sees her like that, will he lose interest if he finds she's virgin? (He won't ;-) She's not worried about Renzo (She should've been😅), after all he owes her.

It all starts in Cabins Winter Family trip, where a drunken Dex Kisses Vi on her cheek, 1st time ever. He wants to talk about it, but she deflects...Hence months pass, Parties & Wanting...Until finally on a friends "Haunted Hotel" Trip, Confessions are made, Their sparky chemistry is explored (omg hot🔥) & they start secretly dating!
~Cabin Drunken Kiss, Resisting Months, Parties meet, Old hotel trip, Friends Haunted fun, Flirt, Exploration & Locked, Truth time, Saved, The Garden kiss, V-Card talks, Dating, Nightly Make-Out...

Dex & Vi both wanted more. Vi sees the best in him WHILE Dex is so sweet, never pressing on her, going with her speed. Feelings grow & keeping it secret was difficult by day, Some of their friends also Knew/ did find out. D+V wanted to tell Renzo, but time never was right..& then Renzo found out in the most omg way!!! The anger & later silence could've broken the friendship, but apologies & talks put them on the correct path soon! I'm glad Renzo accepted Dex & Vi, albeit slowly❤. Dex & his dad's relation cured with truths too!
~Home tour, Oral sexy fun🔥, Deep talks & Fantasy, Come clean (Or can't), Gang hangout, Full Force B-Day Party, Bathroom shenanigans, Found, Anger & Hurt, Cold silence, Family talks, Apologies & acceptance, 1st Official date, Sexy times, Days pass sweetly...

With problems out of the way, the later scenes were Gorgeous! Finally Vi & Dex can be together freely, & soon Sexy times ensues😍. It's fun to see all the friends hang out together! This story ends with a bang & HEA with Renzo+Ronan & Dex+Vi on a Cute special Trip!
~4th of July fun, Fireworks & Swoons, Special Bear trip, I love yous...!
This story was awesome & I'm so excited for the next/last two books in this series😍.
**ARC Gotten for a Honest Review.**
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[BookKraves · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing innocent about this story😈.  It is absolutely sinful 🔥🥵 ..... lusting after your best friend's sister. Book two in the South River University Series is downright sweet with lots of lustful moments. Tasting Innocence is a fast-paced read that you could devour in four hours.

Dex has been lusting after Vi (his best friend's younger sister) for a while but knows she is off-limits. Renzo, I love him to pieces, has made it explicitly clear that his friends are forbidden from dating Vi. The last thing he expected was for Dex to cross that boundary. Dex is a rich, popular, jock....Oh yes, and a womanizer. He has a reputation for hooking up and having meaningless sex.
This reputation would scream 🚫 , but Vi saw things in Dex that no one else saw; he's charming, considerate, sweet, caring, has great friendships, but he is lonely.

Vi has been crushing on Dex for a while but does not know how he feels about her and is hesitant to share how she feels because Dex is her brothers best friend.
Initially, she is in a relationship with Ronan, but her brother stole her boyfriend 😈😁. Again nothing innocent about this book. It had me hooked from the first chapter.

While on a family trip Vi and Dex get snowed in together, and Dex, with the help of liquid courage, decides to make a move on Vi but ends up kissing her on the cheek. Months go by without them talking about it until they spend a weekend at a creepy, hunted hotel.

Both Dex and Vi decide they want more and start seeing each other, SECRETLY. Vi was not scared to let her brother know what was going on, BUT Dex thought ALL HELL would Break Loose (he was right).

This is a fantastic new young adult contemporary romance. You have best friend trope, secret relationship, lots of Oral (Dex you devil😈 😏), no angst, snowed in together, creepy hotel,  best friend drama, first times, punching of the V card, You Stole my Boyfriend, gay best friend, and HEA.

I enjoyed reading Tasting Innocence. The characters are funny, entertaining, have great personalities and have personal life problems.

I highly recommend reading this college romance. I can't wait to read Breaking Free; it is sure to take me for a ride. 

ARC in exchange for an honest voluntary review.

[Tan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable storyline, wattpad writing but it was semi bearable

[Aundi Living That Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I LOVE DEX!!! There I said it. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about him, just from the parts that I got of him in Stealing Ronan. I knew I liked him, but Isabel made me fall in love with him. This book is a sweet and sexy treat that will leave your mouth watering, I died for Violet and Dex and was sad when their book was over.

The part of this story that I liked so much was the slow pace at which Isabel wrote them. It wasn’t so slow as to give you blue balls, but it has a realism to it that I appreciate when reading virgin romances. I think sometimes authors jump straight to the good stuff which is great but with virgin romances there needs to be some build up that I feel gets lost sometimes. But Isabel handled it perfectly, she gave them time and had them grow in their relationship and their comfortability between each other which I loved before the sexy times could commence.

They already had a base for their relationship since they’ve known each other forever, but it was so sweet seeing them navigate an actual relationship especially for Dex. You could tell that this was knew for him and but you never once doubted his feelings for Violet. I adored watching their banter and the way in which they just gravitated toward each other organically. Nothing felt forced and awkward it just felt natural.

This is only the second book by Isabel that I have read and I have to say I’ve loved them both. Her characters are warm and inviting. Her stories are steamy and enticing. And her words are addictive and flawless. I’m so happy that I have found her as an author and I can’t wait to see what happens next at South River University.

Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy

[Laura Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh I read the second in the South River Uni series last night and LOVED IT. This followed on from Stealing Ronan (definitely recommend if you like MM!) and the main characters are the best friend and sister of Lorenzo from the first book. This was just such a brilliant, easy read.

I read it in about 2 hours! I just couldn’t put it down. It was really funny, really quick, low angst, STEAMY 🔥 and just a really enjoyable book! I’d definitely recommend if you’re in a reading slump or want something light hearted! I read a super emotional book before this so this was just what I needed at the right time.

I adored the characters Dex & Violet and how their relationship blossomed, they were super cute together and had so much chemistry! Really recommend it! It comes out on the 10th 💓

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasting Innocence is book 2 in the South River University series. It can be read as a standalone. This is a best friend sister trope.

This is a fast paced read about Dex falling in love with Violet, his best friends sister. We got his best friend, Lorenzo story with Ronan in book one.

This books is sweet with no angst. I really didn’t connect with Violet and Dex. I wanted to get to know more about who they are. You’ll see a little bit of Dex past and we really only know Violet is adopted.

They had fantastic chemistry and have a great group of friends. Let me say the first half in the creepy hotel was a lot of fun.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the South River University series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone. This is a fun fast read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Violet and Dex are two very likeable characters. I was rooting for them throughout.

A great read that I totally recommend.

[Isabel Lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this.
It counts for my reading challenge because I read one less book because I had to write and read this. Don’t worry. It makes sense. Haha

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

The second book in the South River University series and as this follows the first book, I would just suggest reading the first book, just so you are caught up with the characters and all that jazz. Now, we just knew something happened between Dex and Vi in book one, didn't know what but the signs were there. As it turns out... spoiler alert: nothing really happened. The two just realized that maybe they have feelings but the whole best friend’s little sister aspect held Dex back and Vi was thinking that he thought of her as a sister. The two kind of flirt around in the beginning of this story, but things really get interesting when they are all once again thrown together for a weekend getaway. This time without parents and a few more people but still Vi and Dex together again. What happens when he realizes that Vi is so much more than Zo's little sister? Will the two play it safe and just keep this a down low secret?

This was an ok best friend's little sister story. Not gonna lie, was a bit shocked this wasn't just a MM series given that we have clues to Trevor having a story, but it wasn't an unpleasant shock. Some really hot naughty bits, good drama, and some spooky factors in this story. I give this 4 stars.

[M Mendes Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…Tasting Innocent was filled with drama, angst, emotions, and lots of heat 🔥🌡! Isabel Lucero did an outstanding job with Tasting Innocence. Dex and Violet are characters that is easy to relate to and empathize with. In Tasting Innocence we (readers) learn more about Dex and his history and why he is goes through all of the angst he does from wanting Violet, his best friend’s little sister. I won’t go into a lot of details here as I don’t want to spoil Tasting Innocence for readers who hasn’t had a chance to read it yet. I will say though that I highly recommend Tasting Innocence and that you (readers) will not regret reading Tasting Innocence. Tasting innocence is the second book in the South River University Series and Dex and Violet are mentioned in Stealing Ronan so it makes sense that you (readers) should start from Stealing Ronan then progress to Tasting innocence. I can’t wait to read Breaking Free to see whose story is up next and to see how Renzo, Ronan, Violet, Dex, and the rest of the gang are doing. I am having fun with the South River University Series and I hope that you (readers) will enjoy it as much as I am. Once I started Tasting Innocence I did not want to stop and I have read it in one day. I had very few interruptions and was very unwilling to pull my attention away from Tasting Innocence. Since I enjoyed Tasting Innocence so much I plan on checking out more of Isabel’s other books. I am probably going to try the Kingston Brothers as I have one or two of them downloaded to my kindle and just didn’t get a chance to read them. Tasting Innocence is only the second book I have read of Isabel’s and I plan on reading more of her books as I really like Isabel’s writing style. Enjoy reading Tasting Innocence and I when you are done you (readers) should check out some of her other books like I plan to.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasting Innocence is my first read by Isabel Lucero and is the 2nd book in the South River University Series. These are interconnected standalone’s. Reading books in order probably will give more background information, but I didn’t feel it impacted my enjoyment or ability to follow along, Isabel does give background information that helps you follow along.

Although, I ended up enjoying the book, it did not catch my attention right away. The characters didn’t draw me into their story until about 20% in. This is a low angst, friends to lovers, best friends sister romance. Dex, who has never been a relationship guy, ends up being major boyfriend material. Violet brings it out in him. Their chemistry is a sweet build. Violet’s experience is limited, but Dex is more than willing to share his skills 😉

Dex has been lusting on his best friends sister. After a failed attempt at letting her know, he questions following up on it.

Violet has been crushing on Dex too, but both have held back because of her brother Renzo’s reaction, Dex’s reputation, and the possible fall out in their friend group.

But, on a weekend trip away, both admit how their feeling and decide to date. Now they just have to tell Renzo, which proves problematic. When he finds them in a compromising position at a party weeks later, he raises all the hell.

Dex has abandonment issues and hates to be alone so he filled the time in with friends or girls. Violet sees the other side of Dex that is willing to take the time and effort into building their relationship. Although, they have known each other since they were kids, their time together has been superficial until now.

[Bookish Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so while I enjoyed Dex and Violet's story, I enjoyed Renzo and Ronan's more.

Honestly, I didn't quite the feel the emotional depth here. I certainly felt a connection but when they finally said those 3 little words, the moment didn't seem to have the same kind of depth. It might be because this book was lighter, less angsty than Stealing Ronan. I also wish the author would've talked more about Dex's upbringing and parental issues to add depth to his character. Book 1 and some of book 2 portrays him as this shallow, rich, douche bag jock. I feel like playing up his parental issues would've brought more empathy to his character.

I like that we got to see what happened with Dex's mom and that he tries to form bonds with his father who is a provider but not really around.

And with Violet having just turned 18, it seemed hard to give her character much depth. She was adopted out into a very loving home at a very young age so she's pretty well adjusted. That's not a bad thing but she hasn't lived as an adult and didn't struggle during her childhood so she is still a work in progress, learning how to navigate life.

I did enjoy their chemistry as a couple and his patience with her regarding her virginity. It was still sexy without making THAT scene happen early in the book. It was something they worked up to. His patience with her at the age of 20 is a big deal. Not a long of young guys like that seem to be considerate.

Overall, I really liked the story and can't wait to see what's in store for book 3.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One little secret moment over the holidays changed everything between Dex and Violet, a moment that both have tried to ignore and forget happened... but can't. Violet has crushed on her brother's friend for a long time now, but he has always been off limits, a line she can't cross.

But the feelings they share for one another keep them circling around one another, a temptation that is becoming very hard not to give in to. It's just a matter of time before their restraint breaks...

Tasting Innocence is short and steamy little page-turner that is bound to leave you smiling. This fun and fast paced romance has emotion, heart, humor, and steam rising from it's pages. It's a story about two people who have secretly liked one another for some time now, but being together could wreck havoc on a longtime friendship, and break a long ago established bro code.

As we watch Dex and Violet try and keep their feelings and attraction hidden it's easy to see it won't stay that way for long. All it took was one weak moment a few months ago to set off the sparks between them. They both want to honor her brother and his friendship with Dex, but they also can't ignore the feelings they have for one another. It's a slippery slope that could lead to trouble... or everything they have ever wanted! Really enjoyed this one, it's characters were easy to connect to and the words were entertaining and well penned! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝒢𝑒𝓃𝓇𝑒 | 𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈: NA, Brother’s Best Friend
𝒮𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈: South River University, Book 2
𝒮𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓂 𝐿𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓁: 🔥🔥🔥
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
My absolute favorite thing about this series is we get a complete, sexy, low-angst romance in a story not quite a novella but not an average length novel either. It’s perfect for an afternoon escape while providing just enough heart and steam to please even the most avid romance reader.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Dex and Violet were SO GOOD together. Dex was lonely and misunderstood. He fought off his loneliness by filling his life with hookups, but he was crazy for his best friend’s younger sister. Vi also harbored a massive crush on her brother’s best friend but she didn’t know what to do about it. Their chemistry was palpable and so dang sweet AND steamy!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I adored their relationship progression. There’s so much honesty in these books it’s so refreshing to read! The angst was mostly outside the relationship and it was handled wonderfully. I loved seeing Ronan and Renzo and I can’t wait for Trevor’s story next! This is seriously becoming a favorite “lighter” romance series of mine.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Tasting Innocence is book two in the South River University series and it features Violet and Dev, Renzo's (from book 1) sister and best friend. While part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but Stealing Ronan was really good and you'll be missing out if you don't pick it up.

I really liked Violet/Vi in book 1, unfortunately, I don't think I got to know her much better in this book, other than her being fairly innocent, sassy, and likable. And Dev, well, he was a player through and through in the first portion of the book, but he really made an effort to change his ways. Of the two of them, I think I liked Dev better, because we got to see more character growth in him. They had chemistry, but I needed more. 

The highlight of the book for me was seeing how happy Renzo and Ronan are together. I'm intrigued by their other friends, Jaden and Trevor, and I'm looking forward to reading their book. 

This was a very low-angst, steamy YA/NA romance. There weren't all that many surprises, and the conflict was something we could see coming from book 1 and played out pretty much as I imagined. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I have no trouble recommending it. 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are so cute
We first met Dex and violet in the first book in a series. It becomes obvious that Dex likes Violet and he even tried to kiss her when they were in the cabin when they got snowed in but nothing had happened since. But they only have to be in the same room for anyone to see clearly that these two can’t keep your eyes off each other. When Dex organises a weekend away with all his friends at a haunted house they finally talk about the time in the cabin and it becomes obvious that they both like each other and they share their first kiss. The problem is Violets brother and Dex best friend Renzo. Renzo always told his friends that his sister was off-limits. So they both know it’s going to kick off but Dex and Violet Can’t hide their feelings or another.
This is a great second book in the series. I wasn’t sure after such a fantastic first book but I was totally hooked with violet and Dex. Dex is a typical rich boy who has slept around with one night stands which hasn’t given him the best history. Renzo knows everything about him which is why he kicks off. But there is something so beautiful about Violet and Dex it was a brilliant read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BaiwarAllah · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️1/2

An okay book if you’re looking for a light read with close to no drama.

“You either need to talk to Zo, tell him how you feel, then talk to Violet and see if this goes anywhere, or let it go and find someone else.”

“When are you gonna tell him you like him?”
“Probably never.”

“I want to be with Dex, and even if I were to find out he’s into me, I don’t know how it would work because my brother would be up my ass about it”

“I can’t stop thinking about you, Vi”

“Of course I like you, Dex,”

“If I mess around with Violet, I could lose Renzo and his parents. Then what would I have? They’ve treated me better than my own family, and I don’t know if I could handle not being able to be in their lives anymore.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. He’s gonna stop fucking around with my sister, and he’s gonna stay the fuck away from me from now on.”

“I guarantee if things end between me and Vi, it’ll be her doing, because I feel like for the first time someone is actually interested.”

“With you, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’d do anything to make you smile, and I always want you to be happy. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is.”

[Sam&Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only straight couple in this book series and while we’ve got to overlook the odds of all these closeted guys being friends with each other (while several are still in the closet)… this story fit into the series really well. Our hero is once again a bit of a man-slut which I didn’t love, especially that he kept running into his long list of regular hook-up’s, it worked well for his backstory of looking for love, acceptance and desire to not be alone. Our heroine understand where he was coming from and accepted him and his past for what it was. I loved that he was already a part of her family because he was best friends with her brother. It also showed how much she meant to him that he was willing to risk his relationship with the brother for something more with our heroine. My only complaint was she is never mentioned in the other books and often our couples are hanging out together and I’m like “where is she and why is Dex hanging out together with other couples without her”. It kinda made me feel like their relationship was taboo since it was a predominantly gay series but whatever. It doesn’t affect this book at all.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dex and Violet have known each other for a long time and Dex’s feelings are changing into something more, but she is completely off limits. As his best friend’s younger sister, she is supposed to be the one person he shouldn’t be chasing but she is suddenly everywhere he is and you can only fight things for so long before things become more. This is the second book in this series, and we get to see familiar faces in Ro and Zo which they made it so much fun. Dex was a great character who was originally a playboy but when it came to Violet the knew she was different and deserved more. Violet saw the best in Dex and knew he was worth everything but how would her brother handle them? Can things work out or are they doomed to fall before they really get started? A great read with amazing characters. “We aren’t what people say about us, and we aren’t the questionable decisions we make. Everyone has the opportunity to grow and change.”

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a steamy sweet story! Isabel Lucero has a talent for giving us intelligent young adults who don’t always make the right decisions but always own up to their mistakes. She makes them accountable for their own actions which will just endear them to you more.

We had a glimpse of the budding relationship between Dex and Violet in Chasing Ronan, but we get to really get to know them in this story.

This is the second book in a four book series, they each have their own HEAs and you don’t need to read them in order, BUT I’m here to tell you that you should take the time and read them all. It will connect you to all the characters and just make you care about them like they are real people! That’s just how visual Isabel writes, she sucks you in and you are right there experiencing the same things the characters are.

I love this series and this group of young adults. Do not miss out on these books!

[Ronda Brimeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really want should be off limits to me but I cant stop. Dex's wants a meaningful relationship just like his best friend Zo has now. He has been a player in the pass sexy, hot and rich. Now he wants so much more with someone he shouldn't. He wants his best friends little sister Violet. He opens his eyes and sees her as sexy woman. The sparks are there for both of them. Is a relationship worth it? Alot of people could get hurt. These two fight it as long as they can. Going slow even through they have know each other but not in a relationship way. Learning and loving their way to a future. DeX and Violet need to tell her brother and the family. They dont want to hurt any of them. Violet and Zo family is more of a family to DeX then his father is. Read an find out if their relationship can stand up to the whole family and the friends. Finally seeing Violet as a grown up and seeing Dex is so much more on the inside. Opening your eyes to love.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasting Innocence is a fun best friend's sister romance. The second book in the South River University series, this Isabel Lucero is easily read as a standalone.

This one is enjoyable from the start. It's easy to read, flows well, and is a treat.

This story is hot, although I have to warn you that there is some sex with other people, though before they're together.

It's not all just fluff, as there are obstacles in their way and emotional moments. It's a forbidden romance, as her brother certainly doesn't want them together.

And good god, I love this quote. "We aren't what people say about us, and we aren't the questionable decision we make. Everyone has the opportunity to grow and change."

Tasting Innocence is a good read. I definitely need to go back and read the first book as it's an M/M college romance. I can't wait to see what else comes in this new adult romance series.

[eveel · Rating 1 out of 5]

girl are we going to ignore the fact that Dex, who is in college, and who i assume was 20 in the first book of this series, has had a crush on Vi for a year (correct me if im wrong, this means hes started to crush on her when she was 16 turning 17 as well so this means he was 19 while he was crushing on her when she was 16 turning 17) so during the cabin holiday, he was grazing against her ass and flirting while she was 17 ... however after the books prologue (re-cap of cabin holiday), their story continues with her being freshly 18 and Dex being 20 . he needs jail and capital punishment and then i saw a review where someone said he talked about how he deserved a medal for being loyal ???

also the writing is not great, theres no structure, no build up to things, the pace is incredibly fast (which was specified in the books description im aware) and theres no chemistry between most of the characters, like who let this book get published actually

[Claire Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another amazing book from Isabel. I absolutely love her style of writing, you can feel it all the way down to your bones.
I absolutely love Dex & Vi. This book is a bothers best friend, steamy, funny, angsty, amazingly fantastic read.
I couldn’t put it down, I just had to read it in one go. I’ve got so much love for this series. Each book is an interconnected standalone. The characters are all brilliant and can’t for more in this series.
If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for. It’s a must read and couldn’t recommend it enough.
Dex is so much more than people would think. Everyone pegs him for some typical playboy but I think really that’s just a front. How could you not love him.
I honestly can’t get enough of this and could read this over & over. Will definitely be buying the paperback for my collection.
Roll on Breaking Free. Can not wait ♥️

[Bridget Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dex was so sweet, I was actually surprised at how sweet he was to Violet. There was little to no fighting against their attraction, which was nice. Often you have them doing the one step forward, two steps back dance in this trope. Renzo, Violet's brother, had the expected reaction. He also surprised me when he calmed down. An aside, Renzo's boyfriend is great. I liked how he attempted to steer Renzo away from the fall out with his sister, but ultimately just stood by him in the end. That sounds weird. I mean he didn't pry or push, told him when he was being an idiot but ultimately loved him through dealing with the consequences of his actions. You need a partner who will still let you make mistakes and love you through them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this intriguing series and is Dex and Violets story. Dex is Violets brothers’ best friend, and he knows she is off limits as Renzo made it perfectly clear to everyone, but there is a spark between them. Dex is sweet and from a wealthy family who leave him to his own devices most of the time, so he is the party boy who has a reputation as a womanizer and for hooking up with girls for meaningless sex, which Renzo is all too aware off. Vi sees a side of Dex than nobody else does, and they complement each other perfectly. What will happen when Renzo finds out that they are secretly seeing each other? This is a well written tale which is fun, entertaining, and with family, friendships, drama, humor, witty banter, and love, which all leads to a riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Zo, I didn't know you had that much vile in you after the way you acted in your book and wanted everyone to be supportive and understanding. Dex was a good one because I would have went off. I know there was and is a bro code but BABY< Violet had the right idea and mind frame. What won me over about this story was Dex admitting that the lost of so many years was worth it. Swoon time.

Let's not get into the internal issues Dex dealt with at home. I was not expecting the outcome of that conversation but I commend him for taking it in stride and Isabelle not having him on a search mission because it was all to practical if she would have.

This story was what the series need because slowly but surely all truths are being revealed and as Violet said, "This group has a hell of a lot of them".

[Morgan Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick cute read. It's a brother's best friend romance.

I loved Dex from the beginning. He's so smitten with Violet and seems to fumble through his feelings in the beginning. I loved the connections at the cabin and then later at the creepy hotel. I think the hotel was one of my favorite settings ever in a book.

Dex is a playboy and has never been in a relationship. He wants to be with Violet and is willing to give up his playboy ways, but she's a virgin and nervous about being with someone so experienced.

This had a great HEA. I felt so bad for Dex and his situation as the story progressed and I was glad that Violet was there to provide the love and affection that he needed.

I can't wait to read the next one set in this world.

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a sweet feel to this book and I liked it! We got a taste of Dex and Violet's feelings in book 1 that was nice but they definitely needed their own story. Dex was considerate and slow with her. He wanted to make her feel good but at the same time let her know the feelings were mutual. Despite being young, they especially Violet handled things very well including telling big brother about the relationship. There's so many sweet moments between Vi and Dex but also between Dex and his dad. We finally know what really went down and how his dad reacted to it. My heart broke for Dex but I was also glad he was on his way to having a relationship with his dad. This book was good! Onto book 3 now!